How to Eat "ONE MAN Ramen"

In Yokohama we found this small ramen shop that catered for the solo eater, those who don't want to be bothered by the company of other human being while slurping up their hot, wet noodles. It's not a public spectacule. (I suppose for the self-conscious noodle slurper, who has terrible table manners or the alienated diner who needs some private downtime with their pork slices.....whatever the case, I highly recommend it purely for the ramen itself and the experience. The noodle shop has branches everywhere in Japan(centering mostly from Fukuoka City, whereit originated) We found the shop in Yokohama, adjacent to the View Building, across from the JR Sakuragicho station. The restauirant is called ' ' which more or less translated to 'leave me alone' When you first enter the shop be aware that it's dark and ominous and their is no 'welcome to our shop' until you sit down at one of the many enclosed booths. There is only a small roll screen in front of you.

You are first given a questionaire from a faceless waitress who asks you to fill out the form and call her when you've complete it. The basic questions are 1. How would you like you noodles cooked? 2. What type of broth would you prefer? 3. Would you like your ramen mild or spicy or super hot? While you are waiting you are given a soft boiled egg to peel yourself and a small packet of salt. (only if youve order the topping) I recommend ordering two, one for an appetizer and one to add to your ramen. After a bit, the waitress brings your meal and says please enjoy, then she closes the shutters and you are left alone to contemplate your exsistence with the steaming bowl of ramen. Should you finish off the noodle in no time flat, you can request a second helping by calling the waitress back with a call button located at the top of the counter next to the water fountain.

A second helping of noodles is called 'Karu tama' and the waitress will press a metal chip on the computer IC readers and a noodle chime song will play. She'lll ask you again how you would like your noodles cooked: 'Futsu' regular , 'Tatta men" al dente, of "bari katta" starchy tough, barely cooked and close to raw!
After you've finished your noodles you simple say "Gochiso-sama" and leave the counter. I felt so lonely and helpless eating alone in a closed ramen shop, but I might go again, just to keep myself company.....